My Volunteer Experience: Restoring Coral Reefs in Cozumel, Mexico

When traveling, things don’t always go as planned. Knowing how to go with the flow and change your itinerary as needed is the key to making sure you get the most out of your trip. After all, that is what I had to do during my recent trip to Cozumel!

Deciding to Volunteer at the Cozumel Coral Reef Restoration Program

Hi, my name is Nessie and I am a biologist studying how tourism impacts the critically endangered pygmy raccoon of Cozumel. Due to some recent requirement changes, my research permit to study the raccoons on the island got denied. However, my accommodations and flight were already booked and nonrefundable. I had two choices here–I could lay on the beach for two weeks eating tortilla chips, drinking margaritas and doing nothing, or I could do something that actually benefits Cozumel. No shame to people who just want to relax, but I am the kind of person who believes tourism can be truly beneficial for conservation, and I wanted to do something to help.

I had already been in contact with the founder of CCRRP, Dr German Mendez, for several months now, as he was offering valuable insight on how the tourism industry harms the ecosystems of Cozumel for my research. So, when I found out I couldn’t conduct any scientific research with the raccoons, I knew what I wanted to do–volunteer at the Cozumel Coral Reef Restoration Program.

Me, volunteering to clean up algae and restore Cozumel's coral reefs at the CCRRP

Requirements to be a Reef Restoration Volunteer in Cozumel

You do not need to be a marine biologist to volunteer at the Cozumel Coral Reef Restoration program, which is great, because I’m not one. Dr German will teach you everything you need to know about caring for Cozumel’s reefs. Here is what you do need:

1. PADI Open Water Certification - If you are not already SCUBA certified, you can get certified at the CCRRP. That is what I did! 

2. PADI AWARE Coral Reef Conservation Specialty Course - Out of the 220 dive shops in Cozumel, the CCRRP is the only place that offers this course. 

3. Scuba Tank Rental - This is the only piece of equipment you need to volunteer with coral reef restoration. Scuba tank rental is only $3 US at the Sand Dollar Sports rental stand outside the coral reef restoration lab.

Getting Scuba Certified at the Cozumel Coral Reef Restoration Program

If you don’t have your Open Water certification, the first thing you need to do to be a coral restoration volunteer is get that done. Thankfully, the CCRRP offers several different PADI certifications, including Open Water. The class takes place over the course of three days with five dives and an online reading portion. I am going to be honest, I was really nervous about several of the skills I had to learn, including taking my mask off and getting it back on underwater. I truly thought I would never get my certification! However, my teacher Michelle was so wonderful. She was kind and compassionate and showed me several cool tricks to get it done. It also helped that the scuba classes were held in the coral reef nurseries, so I could remind myself why I was taking this class, and what I would be able to help after I succeed.

PADI AWARE Coral Reef Conservation Specialty Course

As I mentioned earlier, the CCRRP is the only place in Cozumel where you can take the PADI AWARE Coral Reef Conservation specialty course. Honestly, I think this commitment to coral reefs is what makes the CCRRP the best place to dive and snorkel in Cozumel. While PADI has this class listed as purely academic, meaning all the required parts are on land, CCRRP goes above and beyond teaching visitors about Cozumel’s reefs by making this a two day course with four dives in the coral nursery. During this class, you will learn everything you need to know about Cozumel’s coral reefs including what corals actually are (and all the different species you can find in Cozumel,) why coral reefs are disappearing in Cozumel, and how you can help stop it. During the in-water part of this course, you will learn how to clean coral and coral reef restoration platforms and even get the chance to “plant” coral of your own! 

Doing my part to help coral reefs in Cozumel

Typical Volunteer Activities at the CCRRP

Personally, I did a lot of algae scrubbing. Cleaning algae off coral was oddly soothing, reminding me of a Tiktok ASMR cleaning video. To quote the FAQ on the website, “Depending on the needs of the corals, a volunteer dive can consist of anything from tending to the coral nursery, monitoring research projects, deploying or removing sunshades that prevent bleaching, and planting corals onto the live rocks on the Villa Blanca reefs.”

Additionally, if you have special skills like underwater photography or filmmaking, the Cozumel Coral Reef Restoration Program also appreciates any help in amplifying their message through photos, videos, short films. This gives them more content to  share on social media and helps them get more funding and volunteers.

Is Scuba Equipment Provided for Volunteers?

Yes! The scuba tank with air is the only thing you need to rent to volunteer, and like I said, it is only $3. CCRRP provides you with anything else you might need like BCDs, regulators, masks, fins, weights, wetsuits, etc. 

My sweet little piece of coral, who I have grown incredibly attached to while volunteering in Cozumel

Why Volunteer With Coral in Cozumel?

1. Help Restore a Dying Reef

Cozumel has lost over 90% of its coral reefs due to pollution, climate change, and over-tourism. By volunteering, you’ll be part of an effort to rebuild the reef and ensure that marine life continues to thrive.

2. Gain Hands-On Marine Conservation Experience

You don’t need to be a scientist to make a difference! The Cozumel Coral Reef Restoration Program trains volunteers in coral planting, algae removal, and reef monitoring—giving you direct experience in ocean conservation.

3. Make Your Dives More Meaningful

Instead of just observing Cozumel’s coral, you’ll actively contribute to its survival. Whether you're removing harmful algae or planting new coral, each dive helps protect the reefs for future generations.

4. Learn from Marine Experts

Volunteering at the CCRRP will help deepen your understanding of coral ecosystems, climate change impacts, and reef restoration techniques. This is knowledge that will stay with you long after your trip!

5. Support Sustainable Tourism

Many activities in Cozumel contribute to reef destruction. Volunteering allows you to be part of the solution. Your efforts help counteract the negative effects of cruise tourism, unregulated development, and rising ocean temperatures.